Anambra 2025: INEC Accredits 114 Domestic Observer Groups,76 Media Organisations

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the electoral body has accredited 114 domestic observer groups and 76 media organisations to oversee the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 8. He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process.

The Commission has cautioned political parties, candidates, and voters not to engage in vote-buying or any other type of electoral misconduct. Professor Amupitan made these remarks during the Anambra State Governorship Election Stakeholders’ Meeting, which took place in Awka on Tuesday.

Professor Amupitan explained that the meeting reflected INEC’s ongoing dedication to inclusivity and transparency before each significant off-cycle election. He noted that it is standard practice for both the INEC Chairman and the Inspector-General of Police to address such gatherings together, providing the public with updates on election readiness and security plans.

The INEC Chairman stated that preparations for the Anambra election began in 2024 with the release of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022. Of the 13 statutory activities designated by the Commission, 11 have been completed. The remaining tasks are the conclusion of campaign activities, set for midnight on Thursday, November 6, and the election itself, scheduled for Saturday, November 8.

He stated that the Commission has released the definitive roster of candidates and their running mates for the election, indicating that sixteen political parties are set to participate. Furthermore, five parties have lawfully substituted candidates and deputies in accordance with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022.

Professor Amupitan stated that INEC finalised a register of 2,802,790 voters for the election after the voter registration exercise and database clean-up. Of 168,187 new registrations, 27,817 were removed as duplicates, resulting in 140,370 valid additions. Additionally, 5,983 voters transferred within the state.

He stated that INEC had extended the deadline for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection from October 29 to November 2 to ensure all eligible voters have sufficient opportunity to obtain their cards. Furthermore, he indicated that any uncollected cards from the 21 local government areas will be securely stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria until after the election to prevent potential misuse.

The Chairman also announced that, together with TAFAfrica, the Commission approved placing sign language interpreters at polling units to support 3,456 registered voters with disabilities in the state. He called this a groundbreaking initiative in Nigeria’s electoral history, designed to enhance the inclusion and participation of Persons with Disabilities in the democratic process.

He stated that INEC had given accreditation to 114 domestic observer groups and 76 media organisations, with more than 500 journalists assigned to comprehensively cover the election. In addition, thousands of agents from various candidates and political parties have been accredited to oversee proceedings at the 5,718 polling units, 326 ward collation centres, 21 local government collation centres, and the state collation centre in Awka.

Amupitan confirmed the Commission is prepared to use BVAS for voter authentication and to electronically transmit results to the IREV portal.

“A mock accreditation was conducted in 12 polling units across six local government areas to test the system’s reliability,” Amupitan stated.

Amupitan stated that 2,233 buses and 83 boats, supplied by the NURTW, NATO, and the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria, were arranged to transport officials and election materials.

The stakeholders meeting was attended by several key figures, including the Inspector General of Police (represented by DIG Benjamin Okolo), Dr Ken Ukeagu who serves as Supervising National Commissioner and Chairman of the Tenders Board Committee, and Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (represented by Mr Ayodele Omotade, Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services), among others.

The stakeholders’ meeting was convened to update the electorate on INEC’s level of preparedness for the November 8 Anambra off-cycle governorship election.

Deputy Inspector-General Benjamin Okolo, representing the Inspector-General of Police, emphasised that the Nigerian Police Force remains neutral and professional during the election, with no preferred candidate. He affirmed their commitment to upholding the Constitution, serving the public, and maintaining peace.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, through Mr. Ayodele Omotade, Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services, reaffirmed the Scheme’s ongoing commitment to supporting credible elections.

Omotade stated that since 2010, NYSC has been a reliable INEC partner, with corps members consistently demonstrating integrity, discipline, and neutrality during elections.

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